Intro: A GOOD ALTERNATIVE
The Honda Sh and Piaggio Beverly best lookout, Aprilia has brought out the Sport City 125. A refined line and dynamic look, the
Sport City offers up a quick, agile and easy to use machine. And it will fit neatly into the Aprilia line between the retro look of the
Scarabeo and the traditional Leonardo.
Esthetique: MODERN
Aprilia went for 15-inch wheels that guarantee a slender line. Reduced to the bare bones, the fairing hasn’t lost any elegance.
Under the large liquid cooled air intakes, the halogen lights were reworked to offer a far more aggressive appearance. There is no
large plastic to protect the rider; just a simple windscreen will suffice. On the other hand, attention must be paid to the leg area
because of the hot hair that exits from the lateral radiator diffuser.
The controls are made of plastic but nevertheless are well made and offer the needed functions and more. Among them are a very
useful petrol gauge, and an onboard computer that is activated by the right thumb, which can tell you if the battery is charged,
how many miles you have travelled and other valuable information. A rare list of equipment for this scooter segment.
It is a pity that the Sport City hasn’t gone as far with its number of storage compartments. There is the traditional lockable glove
box. There is enough room for your gloves and... that’s it, there is absolutely no reason in wasting time trying to loge your
helmet... it just won’t fit! A tiny bother that the Sport City can blame on it s large wheels and which can be remedied by a top
case, on option of course.
Motorization: RELIABILITY
The Italian constructor assures reliability in using the well-known 124cc single-cylinder, which is a proven commodity from the
Scarabeo or from the Piaggio X8 and X9.
This robust 4-stroke churns out 15 horsepower from 9500rpms, delivering an impressive top end speed for a scooter at 110km/h.
The motor is quite silent and agreeable. Its 15 bhp allow for enough acceleration to take on any traffic situation. All of this works
smoothly with a transmission that follows in step.
On the road: LIVELY AND AGILE
The amount of shock travel is well calibrated and takes on without a hitch the imperfections of cobblestone streets like the ones
here in Italy. Throw in the forgiveness of the seat that is more than just merely comfortable and you can take on any bumpy road
with the least of worries and without becoming worn out after a spin.
In the end, the Sport City justifies its sporting personality more by the chassis than the engine. But the sensations are definitely
there.
The Sport City is lively and easy to ride. And the 15-inch wheels offer a tremendous amount of stability. The large wheels with
large tyres allow for excellent city riding.
With its single-cylinder and a maximum speed of 110 km/h, the Sport City is capable of leaving the inner city for some easy rural
escapades, offering a chance to confirm the comfort delivered from the large wheels and shock travel. The road holding is without
fail.
Of course the wide-open spaces are not its preferable terrain. The absence of a large fairing becomes evident and the very
straight riding position quickly becomes less comfortable than in city riding.
Nevertheless, thanks to its agility, the Sport City is a blast to ride.
Pure sport performance, perhaps not but surely agile. It is in any case a good alternative in the Aprilia segment and it is surely a
serious rival for the Honda SH and the Piaggio Beverly who have been at the head of their segments for a long time now. The fight
promises to be very serious, indeed.
International
